Should You Repair or Replace Your Deck?

As an outdoor structure, your deck will age at a faster rate than indoor structures. Wooden decks are especially prone to rotting and pest damage. A well-maintained deck will serve you well for 20 years without the need for major repairs. There will be a point where you have to decide whether to do a major repair or replace the deck entirely. What considerations should you make when settling on a decision to repair or replace?

What is the extent of the damage?

The recommended first step is to have the extent of damage assessed by a professional. The inspection covers the deck surface, railings, stairs/stringers, and the foundation. The damage that can be noted includes rotting, pest damage, split timber, soil damage, frost heaving, and so on.

Is the damage limited to a few boards and timbers? If the damage is limited to a smaller area, deck repairs could be the right solution for your deck. Is the damage more extensive and touches on the foundational structures of the deck? If this is the case, a new custom deck would be more appropriate.

What would a new deck cost?

The fact is that a new deck adds more value to your home than your current deck. The question would be the cost of the new deck versus the value added. A natural wood deck can cost less than a composite material deck, but composite decking can be more durable and less maintenance than a wood deck.

If you have a deck design in mind, you can ask a decking contractor to do a quote. Compare this quote to the price of repairs. If the cost for repair exceeds 75% of the cost of a new deck, it would be better to replace the deck altogether. The value added by the new deck will offset the cost in installing a new one.

What are the continued costs?

There can be yearly maintenance costs that come with a deck. It is important to factor this in your considerations of a new deck. An old deck will need more work every year than a newly installed deck. This is more so with wooden decks. A new deck will cost more to install, but the maintenance costs will stay low for the next 10 years or so.

Even a new wooden deck is bound to be cheaper in maintenance than an old one. Compare your projected maintenance costs against what it takes to install a new deck, keeping in mind the value added by the new deck to the home.

It is important to seek an expert opinion when deciding on whether to replace or repair your deck. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs. Trust the Calgary custom decking and deck repair team at Mountain View Sun Decks. Our team offers expert advice and know-how for any of your decking needs. Contact us today and be sure to ask about our “don’t pay until the job is complete” policy.